Source: Lonely Planet
Security & Justice
Southern Lebanon Endures Massive Damage: 40,000 Homes Leveled Across 37 Towns
Israeli forces have systematically destroyed entire neighborhoods in southern Lebanon, leveling more than 37 towns and wiping out over 40,000 residential units, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Gaps in Coastal Radar Enabled Israeli Raid in Batroun, Army Commander Says
Lebanon’s army chief, General Joseph Aoun, detailed to Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati how Israeli forces likely exploited gaps in the country's coastal radar system during the recent raid carried out in Batroun. The briefing comes as Lebanese officials seek answers on how Israel’s elite Shayetet 13 unit carried out the landing undetected.
Monday, November 4, 2024
Opinion
The Emptying of Baalbek Is a Moment to Take Stock
“Large numbers of people continue to flee their homes every day, as Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have been going on unabated.” These disturbing words could be from almost any news report about Israel’s invasion of its northern neighbour over the past month. However, they can be found in a report by the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre issued on July 27, 2006.
Saturday, November 2, 2024
A Future Without Hezbollah
At the end of September, when Israel’s campaign to destroy Hezbollah was reaching its height, I met one of the group’s supporters in a seaside café in western Beirut. He was a middle-aged man with a thin white beard and the spent look of someone who had not slept for days. He was an academic of sorts, not a fighter, but his ties to Hezbollah were deep and long-standing.
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Sports
Tottenham Forward Son Heung-min Crowned Asia’s International Player of the Year
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min was crowned as Asia’s International Player of the Year for the fourth time by the Asian Football Confederation at its annual awards ceremony Tuesday.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Real Madrid Launch Investigation into Racist Insults After El Clasico Defeat
Real Madrid has launched an investigation into racist insults directed at players during Saturday’s 4-0 home loss to Barcelona in LaLiga, it said on Sunday.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Monday 14 June 2021 16:01:41
Puerto Rico Loosens Restrictions as Travelers Return
Puerto Rico recently removed its testing requirements for fully vaccinated American travelers, aiming to boost travel to the Caribbean island. Now it’s reducing its local restrictions, allowing more freedom to visit restaurants, bars and attractions.
Bars have reopened at 50% capacity, while outdoor bars and chinchorros – outdoor food and drink kiosks — have no capacity limit. However, a physical distance of six feet must be kept between people who are not from the same family unit. Restaurants, malls, casinos, theatres, museums and hotel pools have all increased capacity to 75%.
Public beaches and natural reserves are also open, though visitors must follow social distancing guidelines. However, fully vaccinated people are not required to wear masks at beaches, parks and outdoor public areas.
Puerto Rico is also offering a chance for travelers who are not vaccinated and arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to receive the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The vaccine is also available to tourists heading to the islands of Vieques and Culebra at the Maritime Transportation Authority ferry terminal in Ceiba.
While vaccinated Americans can visit without a test, travelers coming from any other international destination must present a negative PCR test result, or risk a fine of US $300. All travelers are required to fill out a Traveler Declaration Form.
Fully vaccinated travelers who are planning to visit Puerto Rico (more than two weeks after their final jab) must upload their COVID-19 vaccination card to Puerto Rico Health Department's online portal. Once uploaded, they'll receive a QR code, which will be scanned when they arrive at the airport.
Social distancing guidelines, specific entry requirements and capacity limits have been introduced at tourist attractions. For example, access to Old San Juan between midnight and 5am is limited to residents and tourists staying in the area. Travelers are advised to check guidelines online before booking any tours or visits to tourist attractions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently lists Puerto Rico at Level 3: High Level of COVID-19, recommending that visitors take precautions such as mask wearing (over nose and mouth) and social distancing, and follow all local requirements when in Puerto Rico.
